"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Reflection:

This passage will most likely hit very close to home for many of us on this trip. We will experience many new and different things. We will be challenged both in our wants and desires. Our needs will be met so we will be safe. This mission trip will hopefully cause each of us to suffer in a way that will cause us to push into new and "uncomfortable" areas. The life we are used to is one of comfort and satisfaction. We are going to help others but let us not forget . . . we may be the recipient of the gifts. Our suffering will force us to push into our discomfort zone and embrace new experiences. These experiences will challenge our beliefs and our "person". The changes will definitely come and we pray in a way to change our character for the better. By exposing ourselves to these changes, it gives each of us hope in becoming a better son, daughter, wife, husband, and person thereby making our world better by just a little bit. This hope for a better place and to be better people can touch others in ways we cannot imagine or quantify. This would be pleasing to God who wants us to be the best we can be as evidence by giving us his Son who died for each of us to allow us to be a little better each day. The journey is the hope and not the destination – which has been decided already for us as Christians.

"Now, concerning love of the brothers and sisters you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one."

Today my group and I went to the YWCA with Ben Mountain and Hannah Messick. We got to play with little kids until lunch and then we cleaned the kitchen for a little bit. The people there were all so nice! -Olivia Cleary

Today, Will Dozier, Jack Mountain, Madison Ruffing, and I went to the Cluster Outreach Center. We lifted boxes, organized a closet, and did yard work. All the people were so nice and apprectiative, an it was a lot of fun. -Caroline Skeen

Today, my group consisting of Addie Woods, Emma Duling, Jack Dozier, Alyson Bosworth and I went to the Rehabilitation and Training Center, where we worked with adults who are mentally disabled. First, we did crafts with them and then made lunch. After that, we helped them string lights for an opportunity for them to make money. It was a lot of fun and a very rewarding experience!-Megan Pottenger

Today my group went to the recycling center. My group was me, Emily Stokes, Celia Cleary, Betsy Kelly and Daniel Falkovic and our adult was Bobby Bosworth. At the recycling center we did different jobs including sorting books,sorting CDs and organizing plant pots. We also got ice cream and played with the pet peacock, Mr. Peabody.-Jack High

Today we visited the Main Street shelter. We organized and divided toilitries, and some went and wades and folded laundry. Also we made some new friends along the way. It felt good to know you were helping out the shelter so the homeless people could have a nice place to stay.-Ashton Vermillion & Holly Lockhead